His Holiness Pope Francis will conclude his two day official visit to Sri Lanka today.

President Maithripala Sirisena and top government officials will participate at the farewell ceremony to be held at the Bandaranaike International Airport.

A Tri Service honour guard is also to be accorded to His Holiness before he leaves Colombo for Manila.

A large number of school children, traditional dancers and drummers will be present at the farewell ceremony.

Pope Francis is also expected to visit the Benedict the 16th Cultural Institute at Bola-walana in the early hours of today before leaving for the Airport for departure and he will be received by His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith on His arrival at the Centre.

Meanwhile, Pope Francis made a surprise visit to the Mahabodhi Temple in Maradana last evening.